Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a first-term Democrat, secured reelection in Washington state’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican Joe Kent in a closely watched rematch. Gluesenkamp Perez, who owns an auto-repair shop with her husband, previously won the seat two years ago in a surprising victory. Her win this year was by a slim margin of fewer than 3,000 votes out of nearly 320,000 cast, making it one of the closest races in the country. The district, which had been in Republican hands for over a decade before Gluesenkamp Perez’s initial win, was a key target for both parties this election cycle.
The race drew additional attention after an arson attack targeted a ballot box in the district’s largest city, Vancouver, last week. The attack resulted in hundreds of ballots being scorched, prompting voters who used that box to contact the county auditor’s office for replacement ballots. Gluesenkamp Perez has focused on balancing progressive policies with measures appealing to Republicans during her time in office. She has supported securing the U.S.-Mexico border, criticized President Biden for his handling of the issue, and advocated for a constitutional amendment to mandate balanced budgets for presidents.
One of Gluesenkamp Perez’s key stances is her support for abortion access, contrasting with Kent, who previously endorsed a national abortion ban but shifted his position following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. Kent now believes abortion laws should be determined by individual states. Gluesenkamp Perez also prioritizes addressing climate change while highlighting her ownership of firearms. She is pushing for a “right to repair” bill to make equipment repairs more accessible to individuals without relying on high prices set by original manufacturers.
Kent, a former Green Beret who has called for President Biden’s impeachment, raised concerns about inflation and illegal immigration during the campaign. The two candidates differed on the issue of replacing a major bridge across the Columbia River between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Gluesenkamp Perez supports replacing the existing bridge, while Kent argued for building a new bridge while maintaining the current one. The district’s history of supporting Trump in the 2020 election made it a crucial battleground for the 2022 election, with both candidates emphasizing different policy priorities.
The outcome of the race underscores the ongoing polarization in American politics, with close contests like this one showcasing the divide between Democrats and Republicans on key issues. Gluesenkamp Perez’s victory reaffirms her support among constituents who were drawn to her policy positions and background in the auto-repair industry. The aftermath of the arson attack on the ballot box highlights the importance of election security and the need for safeguards to protect the integrity of the voting process. As Gluesenkamp Perez prepares for another term in office, her focus on addressing diverse issues, from abortion rights to climate change, will continue to shape her legislative agenda and influence her constituents in the 3rd Congressional District.
